Like a phoenix, the stark construction of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on 23rd and Constitution Avenues at the NW corner of the national mall dramatically cuts the winter white with seemingly incongruous shapes for such a massive building in the capitol.

The renowned architects Moshe Safdie and Associates have designed this headquarters with three distinct sections linked together by atriums covered by a series of wing-like roof elements constructed of steel frames and white translucent glass that will glow at night. Its design is meant to be symbolic of America’s commitment to peace; it’s location makes it visible along the capital skyline. Short of standing out in this frigid weather, construction progress is easily viewed with the live webcam at www.oxblue.com.

Behind these fine feathers, the USIP is an independent, nonpartisan, publicly funded, national institution established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1984. In its current location, 1200 17th St NW, the Institute employs nearly 200 people engaged in over 400 peace-building projects annually. Its staff comes from the government, military, NGOs, academia and the private sector. Three-quarters of the Institute’s experts have operational experience; two-thirds have worked in the research sector; and 40 percent have both operational and research experience.

A dozen senior research fellows from around the world are also in residence at the Institute annually. Fellowships are awarded to outstanding scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and journalists through a competitive fellowship program.

The new 150,000 square-foot, five-story building will enhance the training and education component of USIP. The campus houses offices for Institute staff and fellows, a library and archive, a state-of the- art conference center, classrooms, and a public education center designed to heighten understanding of the challenges of international conflict management and peace-building among students and the general public.

The building’s three upper floors are considered Working Space and will house the Institute’s working Centers, as well as a research library and archives.

The Education Center will be accessible to all visitors, with a particular focus on students and teachers. Its goals are to:

1. Raise awareness about the nature and sources of international conflicts;
2. Educate about nonviolent approaches to conflict management;
3. Highlight the work of the Institute and other organizations with similar missions;
4. Attract young people to careers in international affairs and conflict resolution; and
5. Encourage public discussion about international conflict and global affairs.

The Center will use multimedia exhibits, simulated games, films, lectures, and other learning techniques. There will be at least 20,000 square feet of exhibit space on two levels, as well as the public plaza and garden dedicated to the center.

The Center will sponsor outreach programs for teachers, students, and others through “virtual” programming even if they cannot visit the center in person. Teaching modules and other educational resources will be developed and online materials will be made available to the public. Distance learning and webcasts will also bring the Center’s learning experience to diverse and dispersed audiences.

With its origins tied to George Washington who envisioned and beginning in 1783, promoted a “peace establishment” as “essential to the well being” and the very “existence of the United States as an independent power”, the USIP headquarters will hopefully, be a beacon for peaceful world order in the 21st century. God knows, the 20th century left a lot to be desired.